The first round is a paper based problem solving challenge consisting of 20 multiple-choice questions. Participants will be tested on number system conversions (binary, octal, decimal, and hexadecimal), logic gates and truth tables, Boolean expression simplification, and output prediction for small digital circuits. Each question carries equal marks and there is no negative marking in this round.

• All work must be done by team members only.
• Discussion with other teams is strictly prohibited.
• Use of external resources beyond provided material is not allowed.
• Decisions of the organizers will be final and binding.
• Use of AI tools is strictly prohibited.

In the second round, participants will take on a beginner-friendly circuit simulation task using Xilinx ISE, where teams will design and test digital circuits such as FSMs, counters, LFSRs, or memory modules. The simulator interface will be introduced beforehand through demo links shared via email, ensuring that no prior experience is necessary. While organizers may assist with tool operation, the logical design must be completed entirely by the teams. To qualify, each circuit must be functionally correct and validated through test cases or waveform simulations.

• All work must be done by team members only.
• Discussion with other teams is strictly prohibited.
• Use of external resources beyond provided material is not allowed.
• Decisions of the organizers will be final and binding.
• Use of AI tools is strictly prohibited.

The final round challenges participants with a reverse engineering problem. Teams will be presented with a mystery “black box” FPGA circuit that exposes only its inputs and outputs. The circuit will run directly on the FPGA board, and participants must deduce the internal design by applying test inputs, observing the outputs, and then recreating the design. Limited working demonstrations will be provided on the FPGA to aid analysis. Clues can be requested, but each clue will reduce the overall score.

• All work must be done by team members only.
• Discussion with other teams is strictly prohibited.
• Use of external resources beyond provided material is not allowed.
• Decisions of the organizers will be final and binding.
• Use of AI tools is strictly prohibited.